For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 8, 2001
President Calls on Senate to Pass Economic Security Package
Radio Address of the President to the Nation
The Roosevelt Room
Listen to the President's Remarks
10:06 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Earlier this
week, I flew to Florida, to meet with people who had lost their jobs
because of the September 11th attacks. Then I took part in a
town hall meeting in Orlando. I listened to people's
concerns and answered their questions.
I heard Americans are proud of our Armed Forces, and Americans are
grateful for their sacrifices. Our country is on alert and
we are not intimidated. And as we wage war against terror,
Americans made it clear they are also worried about the challenges we
are facing here at home.
Americans want action that will strengthen the economy and create
jobs. They want greater energy independence and they want
reforms in our public schools. As I listened to the concerns
of these Americans, I hope Congress was listening, too, because it
became clear the American people want action on an agenda of economic
growth, energy and dependence, patients' rights, education, faith-based
legislation, all of which are important issues that are stuck in
Congress.
I heard hardworking people say they're worried about losing their
jobs or seeing their hours cut. They know the terrorist
attacks of September the 11th hurt our economy. That's why
in the weeks just after the attacks I proposed help for those who need
it most, immediate help in the form of extended unemployment benefits
and cash grants for workers who have been laid off.
I also proposed the most important help for American
workers: a long-term strategy to accelerate economic growth
to create more opportunities and more jobs. It's now early
December. The House acted quickly on my proposals to aid the
unemployed and create jobs. The Senate has not.
Americans at the town hall meeting in Florida seemed to agree on
the importance of America becoming less reliant on foreign
oil. Last spring, I sent Congress a comprehensive energy
plan that encourages conservation and greater energy
independence. The House has acted. The Senate has
not.
At this season of the year we're especially reminded of the
importance of compassion. I sent Congress a bill to
encourage charitable giving and to support the good work done by people
of faith without entangling government and religion. The
House has acted. The Senate has not.
I know that the Senate is closely divided among Republicans and
Democrats, but the American people expect the Senate and its leaders to
find a way to work together and bridge their
differences. Now is not the time for partisan
politics. Now is the time for leadership. It's
time to act.
Congress has other important business to finish before it goes home
for the holidays. Education is vital to our country's
future. We need a new emphasis on reading, higher standards,
more flexibility and greater local control. Congress has
made great progress toward the most comprehensive education reform in a
generation, so no child is left behind.
But this important education reform is stuck in a conference
committee. And the patients' bill of rights passed by both
Houses of Congress also remains unfinished. These are
important measures. They have bipartisan
support. They should be law. I am ready to sign
them.
I hope you'll let Congress hear from you. Let them know
you want action not just on national security or homeland security, you
want action to protect America's economic security as well.
I thank you for listening. And during this holiday
season, I wish Americans of Jewish faith a happy Hanukkah.
END
10:09 A.M. EST
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